Bios:

Frank R. Jakes is a partner in the Tampa Office of Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP. Frank is a commercial trial lawyer and founder of the firm’s Intellectual Property Group. While specializing in intellectual property disputes, Frank also handles complex commercial disputes, including class actions. He regularly practices before the federal courts throughout the State, but also appears in the state courts, as well as courts in other jurisdictions. Frank is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell. He has also been listed in the Legal Elite by Florida Trend Magazine and included in Best Lawyer’s in America.

Zachary D. Messa is a partner in the Clearwater Office of Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP, and is a Board Certified Intellectual Property attorney. Since joining the firm in 2001, Zachary has gradually focused his practice to all facets of intellectual property law, such as trademark, copyright, rights of publicity and trade secrets. His services include the drafting and negotiation of licensing , supply and manufacturing agreements, protection of client’s intellectual property through trademark and copyright registration and prosecution, and when necessary the enforcement and protection of such rights through litigation. Zachary has represented home builders, photographers, authors, composers, performance rights associations, song writers, clothing design companies, home designers, franchises, and corporations in the protection and enforcement of their intellectual property rights.

Joseph J. Weissman is a partner in the Tampa Office of Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP. Joe is an experienced litigator and trial lawyer specializing in commercial litigation, trademark, copyright and patent litigation, trade secret litigation, computer litigation and computer-related disputes involving cybersquatting and domain names. He also regularly handles trademark and copyright registrations as well as opposition and cancellation proceedings before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. In addition to his intellectual property practice, Joe handles complex commercial litigation such as antitrust issues and various other complex business matters. Joe practices regularly in federal courts both in Florida and around the country as well as in Florida state courts.